He was born in Corsicana, Texas on February 28, 1930 to Edna Nadine (Key) and Kirby Raymond Cummings.
Ray attended Navarro Junior College and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in chemistry. He served for two years in the military at Ft. Lee. After his service he joined the USGS as an hydrologist. His work took him to Ohio, Wyoming, Oklahoma,South Carolina and finally Michigan where he was a District Chief of the water resources division.
After his retirement, Ray traveled the world extensively. His stated mission was to avoid Europe until he was too old to go anywhere interesting. His favorite places were Iran, Chile and China. When not traveling, he could be found on a golf course.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister Louise Bromley, son Timothy Cummings, granddaughter Allie Myette and grandson Owen Clark Cummings.
He is survived by his daughter Kirsten Cummings, grandsons Timothy Myette and Ian Cummings, great granddaughter Sophie Myette and daughter-in-law Tonnie Cummings.
Donations in Ray's memory can be made to Toki Rapa Nui music school, Easter Island through their website tokirapanui.org.
There will be no services.
